I just bought a 2001 3.0 Z3 and didn't know very much about the M54. I've had a '95 318ti for 11 years and loved the M42, and thought the M54, being much more modern would be a real step up.

However, now that I've started reading more about the engine I'm worried that it will need the CVV replacement and the VANOS seals. Before buying this car I drove another Z3 3.0 with more miles 141k and in worse overall condition, but it really seemed faster. I bought the better looking, lower mileage (93k) care, telling myself the performance difference might have been in my mind.

Now I'm thinking maybe the VANOS seals had been done on the 141k car and that's why is seemed faster. Does it make that much of a difference?

I love the car, but after what reliable beast my ti has been, it seems weird to have such a modern high tech engine, but at the same time have to worry about driving it in really cold weather (CVV issue). Anyway, to get back to my main question; can you really tell a difference in performance after the VANOS seals are done? and about how much does that cost. I'm a big DIYer but not sure if I want to tackle this.

marty505

12-24-2012 03:59 PM

Beisan Systems has a fix for vanos seals. Haven't done the job but those that have report good results. Here's a link to the procedure - http://www.beisansystems.com/procedu..._procedure.htm Doesn't look easy but is doable by a capable BMW DIY guy which you probably are, otherwise you wouldn't be here.

My experience is with the single-VANOS engine while yours is a double-VANOS one, which is actually easier to fix. What I noticed after the fix was an amazing increase in torque at low RPMs, not necessarily more power or speed. It just felt like it wanted to dig-in and go on take-offs.

JackDuggan

12-25-2012 07:52 AM

Thanks, I'll have to check that out. It's interesting that it says bogging when the AC is on. I have 2003 Ford Focus SVT that has variable valve timing on the intake side and it does that bogging when the AC is on. I wonder if it has a similar problem. I changed the timing belt on it last summer and from what I remember the variable timing unit looked a lot like the VANOS.

Also, have you guys had any trouble with your DISA? I'm thinking about doing the VANOS seals and the CVV fix as a winter project, and I'll probably take the DISA off and have a look at it too. My SVT has a variable length intake with a servo motor controlling it. I think the DISA is meant to achieve the same result.

dkindig

12-25-2012 10:26 PM

1 Attachment(s)

JackDuggan,

Here is a pdf on the M54 engine controls. It has a great deal of info on the operation of the VANOS system and the DISA controls.

smayo964

12-26-2012 07:54 AM

dkindig, great stuff in that manual. Do you, or anyone else, have the controls manual for the 1999 M52 2.8? I would like to get a copy of it for my buggy. Thanx.

JackDuggan

12-29-2012 07:33 PM

Thanks, that looks really helpful.

shipkiller

12-30-2012 06:41 AM

My wife's Z4 with the M54 had the vanos seal issue. The fix was relatively easy and only took about four (4) hours from start to finish when I performed this repair several years ago.
Removing the DISA takes about 20 minutes, maybe.....